Stress is all around us. From the moment we wake up to the the last words you say before sleep at night, it is everywhere. Turning off your mind is even difficult at times and sleep comes slowly. Staying happy and healthy and productive calls for an “always on duty” management style as far as stress is concerned.

From work, friends, home life to household chores, putting in extra time at work, pressing deadlines, we are surrounded! If we allow these stressors to build up, you can burn out and eventually break down if you don’t have some strategies in place.

Fortunately, here are three ways to combat stress in your life!

STICK TO THE BASICS
I know you’ve heard it before, but there is nothing more important than de-stressing regularly through daily exercise, getting regular sleep, and eating healthy foods. Commit 30-60 minutes each day to exercise. Clear your mind and focus on giving your ALL to your workout. The endorphins you release will keep you feeling less stressful when you finish. Also, set an alarm for you to GO to bed AND rise consistently so that you maintain a healthy sleep pattern. This way your body learns from you when to rest and when to kick it into overdrive!

OPEN UP YOUR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL SPACE!
Secondly, crap happens to ALL of us! If you focus on the negative of all of it, it’s easy to get caught up and lose focus. Regular positive affirmations, gratitude and learning how to say NO and not overcommitting yourself will help you reduce stress level. I write everything down that is on my mind before I go to bed. It helps me “dump” my brain’s thoughts onto paper. I have a physical list of things that I can deal with tomorrow, and I don’t have to keep them swirling around in my head as I try to sleep. I also reflect upon my day and think thoughts of gratitude for all of it, even the bad stuff… Because I’m going to learn something valuable from it.

Own your calendar. Do not overbook yourself. Being overcommitted chinks away at your strength for your days. Before you say yes to another commitment, be sure you evaluate that you still have enough time for yourself. This is not selfish – this is NECESSARY!

GET YOUR SHIT STRAIGHT!
Stay organized! People laugh at me because I live by lists, but writing things down can save you time and trouble! Use your smart phone notes so you don’t lose the paper notes! Take pics of whiteboards you use for grocery lists or family calendars at home as you leave so that you have it at a glance during the day.

Make your home and workplace clutter free. Easier said than done I know, but just start… One shelf, one drawer, one box at a time… Just start and it will get done…

Use these simple strategies to help manage life’s stresses – if you are training hard at the gym you need to recover fully mentally and physically. You will be happier, healthier, and more fit in all areas of your life!